Faramir was born in {{TA|2983}}, five years after [[Boromir]]. Faramir was five when his mother [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]] died. When that happened Boromir and Faramir formed a great bond with each other, but [[Denethor]] grew cold and grim and favored Boromir over Faramir because his younger son reminded him of his wife. But there was no rivalry between Boromir and Faramir.

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Faramir was born in {{TA|2983}}, five years after [[Boromir]]. Faramir was five when his mother [[Finduilas (wife of Denethor)|Finduilas]] died. When that happened Boromir and Faramir formed a great bond with each other. Faramir resembled his mother, and this was the reason [[Denethor]] grew cold and grim and favored Boromir over Faramir. But there was no rivalry between Boromir and Faramir.

On the evening before Sauron's [[Battle of Osgiliath]], Faramir had a dream. A similar dream came to Boromir. Both Boromir and Faramir could understand little of it's words:

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During [[Sauron's attack on Osgiliath]] which started the [[War of the Ring]], the two brothers commanded the defenses of [[Osgiliath]]. They protected the last bridge across the [[Anduin]] until it was destroyed. Only the two brothers and two others survived by swimming.<ref>{{FR|Council}}</ref>

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<Poem>

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Seek for the Sword that was broken:

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In Imladris it dwells;

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There shall be counsels take

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Stronger than Morgul-Spells.

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There shall be shown a token

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That Doom in near at hand

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For Isildur's Bane shall waken,

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And the Halfling shall stand.</Poem>

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<ref name="Council"/>

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Later during the War, Faramir went to command the [[Rangers of Ithilien]].

===In Ithilien===

===In Ithilien===

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Faramir acted as a Gondorian ranger in [[Ithilien]], harassing [[Haradrim]] and keeping evil things from entering the land from [[Minas Morgul]]. During one such raid he found [[Frodo Baggins]], [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] observing an attack by his rangers on a column of [[Haradrim]]. The former two were captured as spies by the rangers though Gollum eluded them. Frodo was questioned by Faramir concerning their errand. Frodo recounted the journeys of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] and its members but referred to the [[Quest for the Ring|purpose]] of the travels only cryptically. During the questioning he denied knowledge of Gollum but revealed that he travelled with both [[Aragorn]], the [[Heir of Isildur]], and [[Boromir]].<ref>{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

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[[File:John Howe - Faramir 02.jpg|thumb|left|Faramir as a Ranger]]

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Faramir acted as a ranger harassing [[Haradrim]] and keeping evil things from entering [[Ithilien]] from [[Minas Morgul]]. During one such raid he found [[Frodo Baggins]], [[Samwise Gamgee]] and [[Gollum]] observing an attack by his rangers on a column of [[Haradrim]]. The former two were captured as spies by the rangers though Gollum eluded them. Frodo was questioned by Faramir concerning their errand. Frodo recounted the journeys of the [[Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship]] and its members but referred to the [[Quest for the Ring|purpose]] of the travels only cryptically. During the questioning he denied knowledge of Gollum but revealed that he travelled with both [[Aragorn]], the [[Heir of Isildur]], and [[Boromir]].<ref>{{TT|IV4}}</ref>

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[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Window on the West.jpg|thumb|Faramir with the two hobbits]]

Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement in it, though Frodo had not known of Boromir's death until that very moment. Unsure of how to deal with his captives, Faramir led Frodo and Sam, blindfolded, to [[Henneth Annûn]]. There he questioned them further in private, learning that the hobbits' errand was linked to the 'Isildur's bane' that had sent Boromir to [[Rivendell]] in the first place. Eager to earn their trust Faramir delivered his famous oath, saying that he "...would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were [[Minas Tirith]] falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs". In a slip up however Samwise revealed the nature of 'Isildur's bane' and so Faramir was tested, just as Boromir had been, by the lure of The Ring. Where Boromir failed Faramir succeeded, leading Samwise to remark that Faramir had "shown [his] quality".<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref>

Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement in it, though Frodo had not known of Boromir's death until that very moment. Unsure of how to deal with his captives, Faramir led Frodo and Sam, blindfolded, to [[Henneth Annûn]]. There he questioned them further in private, learning that the hobbits' errand was linked to the 'Isildur's bane' that had sent Boromir to [[Rivendell]] in the first place. Eager to earn their trust Faramir delivered his famous oath, saying that he "...would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were [[Minas Tirith]] falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs". In a slip up however Samwise revealed the nature of 'Isildur's bane' and so Faramir was tested, just as Boromir had been, by the lure of The Ring. Where Boromir failed Faramir succeeded, leading Samwise to remark that Faramir had "shown [his] quality".<ref>{{TT|IV5}}</ref>

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Faramir returned to [[Osgiliath]] after his encounter with the hobbits, supervising the defense there. However he retreated over the [[Pelennor Fields]] to report to Denethor and was almost caught by the [[Nazgûl]] on their [[Fell Beasts]], but was saved by [[Gandalf]]. Faramir reached Minas Tirith, telling Denethor and Gandalf of what befell in Ithilien, but soon departed to supervise the defenses at his father's bidding. In this venture the host of the [[Witch-king]] came upon Osgiliath and Faramir was struck down by the [[Black Breath]]. Only a sorie by [[Imrahil]] and his knights saved the wounded (including Faramir) from that onset.<ref>{{RK|V4}}</ref>

Faramir returned to [[Osgiliath]] after his encounter with the hobbits, supervising the defense there. However he retreated over the [[Pelennor Fields]] to report to Denethor and was almost caught by the [[Nazgûl]] on their [[Fell Beasts]], but was saved by [[Gandalf]]. Faramir reached Minas Tirith, telling Denethor and Gandalf of what befell in Ithilien, but soon departed to supervise the defenses at his father's bidding. In this venture the host of the [[Witch-king]] came upon Osgiliath and Faramir was struck down by the [[Black Breath]]. Only a sorie by [[Imrahil]] and his knights saved the wounded (including Faramir) from that onset.<ref>{{RK|V4}}</ref>

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[[File:Ted Nasmith - The Sun Unveiled.jpg|thumb|Faramir and Éowyn]]

Faramir remained out of action for the rest of the War of the Ring. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]] Denethor planned to burn his stricken son alongside him and Faramir was once again saved by Gandalf, though Denethor completed his suicide.<ref>{{RK|V7}}</ref> After this he was taken to the [[Houses of Healing]] and healed by [[Aragorn]] after the battle.<ref>{{RK|V8}}</ref> Faramir spent the rest of the war recovering in the Houses of Healing where he met [[Éowyn]], also grievously wounded.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> The two fell in love and were married after the war.<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>

Faramir remained out of action for the rest of the War of the Ring. During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields|Battle of Pelennor Fields]] Denethor planned to burn his stricken son alongside him and Faramir was once again saved by Gandalf, though Denethor completed his suicide.<ref>{{RK|V7}}</ref> After this he was taken to the [[Houses of Healing]] and healed by [[Aragorn]] after the battle.<ref>{{RK|V8}}</ref> Faramir spent the rest of the war recovering in the Houses of Healing where he met [[Éowyn]], also grievously wounded.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> The two fell in love and were married after the war.<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>

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Faramir in many ways speaks for Tolkien, who was a soldier in [[World War I]], when he says, for example, "I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness... I love only that which they defend".<ref name="Window">{{TT|Window}}</ref> Much later, Tolkien would write, "As far as any character is 'like me', it is Faramir".<ref>{{L|180}}</ref>

Faramir in many ways speaks for Tolkien, who was a soldier in [[World War I]], when he says, for example, "I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness... I love only that which they defend".<ref name="Window">{{TT|Window}}</ref> Much later, Tolkien would write, "As far as any character is 'like me', it is Faramir".<ref>{{L|180}}</ref>

'''1978: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''

:Faramir's role has been omitted. However, a young black-haired man is shown at the coronation of "King Aragorn", sitting on a horse beside Éowyn. It can be guessed that this is a cameo of Faramir. Whether he had at any time a larger part, that was cut for time restraints, is unknown.

:Faramir's role has been omitted. However, a young black-haired man is shown at the coronation of "King Aragorn", sitting on a horse beside Éowyn. It can be guessed that this is a cameo of Faramir. Whether he had at any time a larger part, that was cut for time restraints, is unknown.

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'''1981: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|BBC Radio's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''

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'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''

:Faramir is voiced by [[Andrew Seear]]. Because Boromir already named him during the Council of Elrond - in the book, he is simply called "my brother" - much of the mystery surrounding Faramir's first appearance is lost to the attentive listener.

:Faramir is voiced by [[Andrew Seear]]. Because Boromir already named him during the Council of Elrond - in the book, he is simply called "my brother" - much of the mystery surrounding Faramir's first appearance is lost to the attentive listener.

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:[[David Wenham]] plays Faramir in this adaptation. He does not at first let Frodo, Sam, and Gollum go, but decides to bring them and the Ring to Gondor. He takes them west to [[Osgiliath]], crossing the river [[Anduin]], and not until the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]] attack the city does he release them. Many fans of the book criticize this change, saying that it seriously damages the character. [[Peter Jackson]]'s explanation is that he needed another adventure to delay Frodo and Sam, because the episode at [[Cirith Ungol]] was moved to the third movie, and so a new climax was needed. Another explanation often cited is that it was felt that for dramatic reasons it was necessary to show character ''development'', which meant that Faramir had to go through some kind of struggle or difficult decision. Jackson also argued that it was necessary for Faramir to be tempted by the Ring because everyone else was tempted, and letting Faramir be immune would be inconsistent, at least in the eyes of a film audience, and would weaken the films' portrayal of the Ring.

:[[David Wenham]] plays Faramir in this adaptation. He does not at first let Frodo, Sam, and Gollum go, but decides to bring them and the Ring to Gondor. He takes them west to [[Osgiliath]], crossing the river [[Anduin]], and not until the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]] attack the city does he release them. Many fans of the book criticize this change, saying that it seriously damages the character. [[Peter Jackson]]'s explanation is that he needed another adventure to delay Frodo and Sam, because the episode at [[Cirith Ungol]] was moved to the third movie, and so a new climax was needed. Another explanation often cited is that it was felt that for dramatic reasons it was necessary to show character ''development'', which meant that Faramir had to go through some kind of struggle or difficult decision. Jackson also argued that it was necessary for Faramir to be tempted by the Ring because everyone else was tempted, and letting Faramir be immune would be inconsistent, at least in the eyes of a film audience, and would weaken the films' portrayal of the Ring.

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:In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Special Extended DVD Edition|extended edition]], Jackson has included a flashback scene showing that Denethor has been neglecting him and favoring Boromir, so that Faramir wanted to please his father by bringing him the Ring. The relationship is similarly strained in the books, but there his father's favoritism does not seem to affect his decisions in Ithilien. On the whole, however, new Extended Edition scenes with Faramir brought the character closer to the sympathetic treatment of the books.

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:In the [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (extended edition)|extended edition]], Jackson has included a flashback scene showing that Denethor has been neglecting him and favoring Boromir, so that Faramir wanted to please his father by bringing him the Ring. The relationship is similarly strained in the books, but there his father's favoritism does not seem to affect his decisions in Ithilien. On the whole, however, new Extended Edition scenes with Faramir brought the character closer to the sympathetic treatment of the books.

== See Also ==

== See Also ==

Revision as of 15:25, 19 December 2012

The name Faramir refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Faramir (disambiguation).

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
This article or section needs more/new/more-detailed sources to conform to a higher standard and to provide proof for claims made.

"[Faramir] is bold, more bold than many deem; for in these days men are slow to believe that a captain can be wise and learned in the scrolls of lore and song, as he is, and yet a man of hardihood and swift judgement in the field. But such is Faramir. Less reckless and eager than Boromir, but not less resolute."

Contents

History

Faramir was born in T.A.2983, five years after Boromir. Faramir was five when his mother Finduilas died. When that happened Boromir and Faramir formed a great bond with each other. Faramir resembled his mother, and this was the reason Denethor grew cold and grim and favored Boromir over Faramir. But there was no rivalry between Boromir and Faramir.

In Ithilien

Faramir as a Ranger

Faramir acted as a ranger harassing Haradrim and keeping evil things from entering Ithilien from Minas Morgul. During one such raid he found Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee and Gollum observing an attack by his rangers on a column of Haradrim. The former two were captured as spies by the rangers though Gollum eluded them. Frodo was questioned by Faramir concerning their errand. Frodo recounted the journeys of the Fellowship and its members but referred to the purpose of the travels only cryptically. During the questioning he denied knowledge of Gollum but revealed that he travelled with both Aragorn, the Heir of Isildur, and Boromir.[9]

Faramir with the two hobbits

Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement in it, though Frodo had not known of Boromir's death until that very moment. Unsure of how to deal with his captives, Faramir led Frodo and Sam, blindfolded, to Henneth Annûn. There he questioned them further in private, learning that the hobbits' errand was linked to the 'Isildur's bane' that had sent Boromir to Rivendell in the first place. Eager to earn their trust Faramir delivered his famous oath, saying that he "...would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs". In a slip up however Samwise revealed the nature of 'Isildur's bane' and so Faramir was tested, just as Boromir had been, by the lure of The Ring. Where Boromir failed Faramir succeeded, leading Samwise to remark that Faramir had "shown [his] quality".[10]

During the night, Faramir's watch spotted Gollum fishing in the Forbidden Pool. Faramir called Frodo to him who confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, begging Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released Frodo and Sam (with Gollum), but warned them strongly against taking the pass of Cirith Ungol.[11]

In Pelennor/Minas Tirith

Faramir returned to Osgiliath after his encounter with the hobbits, supervising the defense there. However he retreated over the Pelennor Fields to report to Denethor and was almost caught by the Nazgûl on their Fell Beasts, but was saved by Gandalf. Faramir reached Minas Tirith, telling Denethor and Gandalf of what befell in Ithilien, but soon departed to supervise the defenses at his father's bidding. In this venture the host of the Witch-king came upon Osgiliath and Faramir was struck down by the Black Breath. Only a sorie by Imrahil and his knights saved the wounded (including Faramir) from that onset.[12]

Faramir and Éowyn

Faramir remained out of action for the rest of the War of the Ring. During the Battle of Pelennor Fields Denethor planned to burn his stricken son alongside him and Faramir was once again saved by Gandalf, though Denethor completed his suicide.[13] After this he was taken to the Houses of Healing and healed by Aragorn after the battle.[14] Faramir spent the rest of the war recovering in the Houses of Healing where he met Éowyn, also grievously wounded.[15] The two fell in love and were married after the war.[16]

After the War of the Ring

After the destruction of the Ring and the Battle of the Morannon, Faramir, as Steward, led the ceremony in the crowning of Aragorn as King of Gondor and Arnor.[17] Aragorn reinstated the original role of the Stewards before the failing of the Kings of Gondor and made Faramir the Prince of Ithilien. As Prince of Ithilien, Faramir was one of the two Chief Commanders of King Elessar and his duty was to guard and maintain the eastern borders of Gondor. He also defeated the remaining enemies and cleansed the Morgul Vale.

Faramir and Éowyn settled down in Emyn Arnen, a range of hills in Ithilien in sight of Minas Tirith, and Faramir became the Lord of Emyn Arnen. He and Eowyn had at least one son named Elboron,[1] who followed his father as Steward and Prince of Ithilien when Faramir died in the year Fo.A.82. Faramir lived to be 120 years old, due to the large percentage of pure Dúnedain ancestry he possessed as a member of the Gondorian nobility.[18]

Inspirations

Faramir was, in the words of Tolkien, "modest, fair-minded and scrupulously just, and very merciful".[19] His appearance toward the end of The Two Towers apparently was as much of a surprise to Tolkien as it is to his readers. "I am sure I did not invent him," he wrote. "I did not even want him, though I like him".[20]

Faramir in many ways speaks for Tolkien, who was a soldier in World War I, when he says, for example, "I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness... I love only that which they defend".[4] Much later, Tolkien would write, "As far as any character is 'like me', it is Faramir".[21]

Portrayal in Adaptations

A major player in the second half of The Lord of the Rings, Faramir has found his portrayal both diminished and expanded.

Faramir's role has been omitted. However, a young black-haired man is shown at the coronation of "King Aragorn", sitting on a horse beside Éowyn. It can be guessed that this is a cameo of Faramir. Whether he had at any time a larger part, that was cut for time restraints, is unknown.

Faramir is voiced by Andrew Seear. Because Boromir already named him during the Council of Elrond - in the book, he is simply called "my brother" - much of the mystery surrounding Faramir's first appearance is lost to the attentive listener.

David Wenham plays Faramir in this adaptation. He does not at first let Frodo, Sam, and Gollum go, but decides to bring them and the Ring to Gondor. He takes them west to Osgiliath, crossing the river Anduin, and not until the Ringwraiths attack the city does he release them. Many fans of the book criticize this change, saying that it seriously damages the character. Peter Jackson's explanation is that he needed another adventure to delay Frodo and Sam, because the episode at Cirith Ungol was moved to the third movie, and so a new climax was needed. Another explanation often cited is that it was felt that for dramatic reasons it was necessary to show character development, which meant that Faramir had to go through some kind of struggle or difficult decision. Jackson also argued that it was necessary for Faramir to be tempted by the Ring because everyone else was tempted, and letting Faramir be immune would be inconsistent, at least in the eyes of a film audience, and would weaken the films' portrayal of the Ring.

In the extended edition, Jackson has included a flashback scene showing that Denethor has been neglecting him and favoring Boromir, so that Faramir wanted to please his father by bringing him the Ring. The relationship is similarly strained in the books, but there his father's favoritism does not seem to affect his decisions in Ithilien. On the whole, however, new Extended Edition scenes with Faramir brought the character closer to the sympathetic treatment of the books.